2.5 – Youth Voice

Insights from Youth

It is important to gather insights directly from youth. The National Council partners with youth ambassadors ages 16-22 to ensure that our resources resonate with youth. Youth ambassadors share their unique perspectives by reviewing materials, participating in videos, speaking at webinars and writing blogs. Below, find resources directly written and reviewed by our youth ambassadors, along with videos they have participated in.

Read the Blogs

Youth Substance Use Portrayal on TV: Analyzing “Euphoria
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Youth Mental Health and Substance Use
How You Can Positively Influence Your Siblings’ Substance Use
The Impact of Youth Substance Use in Schools and How to Provide Support
Preventing Illicit Drug Use on College Campuses
De-stressing and Improving Mental Health
Peer Pressure and Substance Use

What Youth Want You to Know

This video features youth sharing advice on how providers can approach conversations about substance use prevention.

“Share Your Why” Videos

This three-part video series highlights the stories of six young people on why they choose to abstain from alcohol and other drugs and how they cope with life’s stressors.

Share and post these peer-to-peer videos on social media. We encourage other youth to “share their why” by recording a video and posting with the hashtag, #shareyourwhy.

Top reasons why youth want to “Share their Why”:

  • They want to address the stigma associated with alcohol and other drugs by letting other young people know they are not alone and can get help.
  • They want to be a voice to help others make change in their communities and believe all young people deserve access to care and support.
  • They want to focus on preventing future substance use and provide solutions for those that may currently be experiencing challenges with alcohol and other drug use.
View the Motivational Conversations Guide (English)

#ItsTheLittleThings Campaign

Did you know we have a dedicated youth page? Learn about the #ItsTheLittleThings campaign, along with information on alcohol and other common drugs, and suggestions for talking to friends and family about substance use.

Youth Ambassadors

  • Seblework Alemu
  • Tracy Das
  • Reanna Felix
  • Iliana Lara
  • Saint Luan
  • Michelle Medina
  • Ayden O’Connor
  • Isadora Paul
  • Riya Ramakrishnan
  • Samantha Richter
  • Elijah Seay
  • Anona Thomas
  • Hamid Torabzadeh
  • Jamie Ann Visconde
  • Jordan Young
Next Up: Frame the Conversation >>

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,500,000 with 100% funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.